Testing physical performance in healthy athletes
Construct and Predictive Validity of an Upper Extremity Physical Performance Test Battery in Healthy Athletes: a Cross-sectional and Prospective Study
This study is testing a new set of physical performance tests for healthy tennis players and swimmers to see if they can help determine when athletes are ready to return to their sport after an upper limb injury.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Ghent Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ghent) |
| Trial ID | NCT06153121 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project includes two studies aimed at validating a new sport-specific upper extremity physical performance test battery in healthy tennis players and swimmers. The first study is cross-sectional, correlating test performance with actual sport performance and upper limb kinematics during a tennis serve. The second study is prospective, evaluating the predictive validity of the test battery over time. The goal is to establish a reliable set of tests that can be used to assess athletes' readiness to return to sport after upper limb injuries.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy individuals who play tennis or swim competitively for at least 3 hours per week.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of shoulder dislocation, upper extremity surgery, or current substantial injuries will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a validated assessment tool to help athletes safely return to their sports after injury.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited evidence for the validity of existing upper extremity performance tests, this approach aims to fill a gap in the literature and is considered novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * In good general health * Play tennis or swim competitively, at least 3 hours per week (training + competition) Exclusion Criteria: * History of shoulder dislocation in dominant and/or nondominant shoulder * History of upper extremity surgery * At the moment of participation, participants should not report a substantial injury (defined by the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre questionnaire on health problems) in the past two months. A substantial injury is defined as a moderate or severe reduction in training volume or reduction in sports performance or complete inability to participate in sport as substantial injuries and illnesses. * Neurological symptoms in any extremity * Suffering from a systemic disease (such as diabetes, lupus, arthrosis,.. )
Where this trial is running
Ghent
- Department of rehabilitation sciences — Ghent, Belgium (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ann Cools — University Ghent
- Study coordinator: Jasper Stubbe
- Email: jasper.stubbe@hotmail.be
- Phone: 09 332 26 33
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.